Tc-99m-PEG-liposomes for the evaluation of colitis in Crohn's disease

In the present study, the potential role of Tc-99m-PEG-liposome to determine the extent and severity of active disease of Crohn's colitis was investigated. Patients suspected of having an exacerbation of Crohn's disease underwent a Tc-99m-PEG-liposome scan (740 MBq, imaging at 4 and 24 h p.i.). A barium enema or endoscopy was performed as the standard verification procedure. Disease activity indices (Clinical Disease Activity Index and Van Hees Activity Index) were calculated. In seven patients positive images of colon segments affected by Crohn's colitis were obtained using Tc-99m-PEG-liposomes. Only a moderate relation between Tc-99m-liposome scan grading and verification procedures was found (Spearman rank r = 0.22). In accordance with previous studies, no significant correlation was found between the clinical disease activity indices and the verification procedures. This study was prematurely terminated because of unacceptable side-effects in 3 out of 9 patients, which occured almost immediately after starting the infusion. The complaints consisted of dyspnea and facial erythema. The symptoms were self-limiting when the infusion was stopped. In conclusion, the extent of Crohn's colitis can be established non-invasively with Tc-99m-PEG-liposome scintigraphy. However, in view of the encountered side-effects, the PEG-liposomal preparation may have to be modified.